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Choosing the best time for a river cruise in Europe can be tricky. You don’t want to find your tour disrupted by low and high water levels, broken locks and frozen rivers after you have booked your tickets.
Although the weather can ruin your plans at any time of the year, some months are more appealing than others for river cruising.
We have done the research and come up with the best time for a European river cruise.
September has a pleasant climate and normal water levels, which means there is a minimal chance of disruption due to low or high water levels and frozen rivers. In addition, large crowds will have dissipated by September, so there’s no need to book your cruise a year in advance or to pay a higher price.
Princess Cruise Lines
Princess Cruise Lines
Up to $400 OBC worldwide cruises
Ends
Available on select cruises from 2022–2023 on destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Alaska, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Uniworld
Uniworld
Up to $1,500 off all-inclusive Europe cruise with flights
Ends
Available on select travel dates in 2023. Destinations include Danube, Italy, Venice, Amsterdam, Paris and more. T&Cs apply.
Uniworld
Uniworld
Up to $1,500 off 2022 cruises
Ends
Available on select Europe cruises including Vienna, Paris, Milan, Zurich, Budapest and more. T&Cs apply.
With the majority of summer crowds and high prices gone and the heat of July and August behind you, September brings some of the most pleasant river cruising conditions. During April, May and June, the melting of snow coupled with spring rains flood most European rivers. As a result, boats are often unable to pass under low-hanging bridges due to the high water level.
When levels start to recede around August, especially after a dry summer, cruises can be postponed or cancelled altogether due to water being too low in some of the river systems, but if this is the best time for you to travel, you can make sure you're covered by getting cruise insurance that may compensate you for altered itineraries or cancelled sailings altogether. By November and December, you run the risk of rivers freezing in northern and eastern Europe. They’re sometimes closed shortly after Christmas during the dead of winter. The colder temperatures may also deter you from sitting out on the cruise deck to enjoy views of the passing countryside.
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